Headline: Curry and Green Stand at a Crossroads: Can Warriors Rewrite History in Game 7 Against the Rockets?

A great deal has changed since the last time they surrendered a 3-1 series advantage. At that time, Stephen Curry had only two children; he now has four. Draymond Green was clean-shaven back then, while his beard now shows signs of gray.

The markers of growth and aging are unmistakable in these two Golden State icons, the final vestiges of a previous championship era. Speaking of aging, how much older might they feel if they find themselves on the losing end of another comeback?

In 2016, it was the Cavaliers who shocked the Warriors and the entire basketball community, clinching a championship for Cleveland with a fierce comeback led by LeBron James and finalized by Kyrie Irving.

On Sunday, the spirited Rockets could seize a first-round playoff series at the expense of a duo of proud, yet currently precarious, Warriors veterans.

This time, similar to the last occurrence, Curry, now 37, and Green, at 35, are pivotal in the opposing rally. Both have struggled at times during the first six games, and they bear some responsibility for the series being tied at 3-3.

They hold the potential for redemption in Game 7, aiming to evade a painful repeat of history. Even as they traverse the latter stages of their careers, they’re well known for delivering in critical moments.

Draymond stated, “A Game 7 is just that. It’s always a thrilling opportunity whenever it presents itself.”

Curry added, “If you don’t approach it with the right mindset, you might as well prepare for a long summer ahead.”

The Finals showdown against the Cavs remains a memorable chapter, filled with tension, drama, and significant viewership. It symbolized a turning point for this era of basketball. The Warriors were looking to cap off a record-setting season with 73 wins and had won the first two games of the Finals by a margin of 48 points. Meanwhile, the Cavs were striving to win a title for a city that had never tasted NBA glory.

That series’ momentum shifted dramatically in Game 4 when Draymond, known for his passionate demeanor, made an impulsive swipe at a sensitive area on LeBron.

This earned him a technical foul and a suspension—his history of accumulating technical fouls that postseason contributed to a crucial absence. Following his incident against Steven Adams—who now plays for the Rockets—and an earlier ejection of Michael Beasley, the Warriors, once leading 3-1, lost that game and the subsequent one while Draymond observed from a luxury suite at the Oakland Coliseum.

Among the many notable performances throughout history, Draymond’s showing in Game 7, post-suspension, stands out. In light of the circumstances, his stat line was remarkable: 32 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists, all punctuated by emphatic displays of strength. However, this performance became overshadowed by LeBron’s iconic chase-down block and Kyrie’s decisive jumper.

Initially, Curry dominated the series against the Cavs. However, his performance took a downturn, reminiscent of his recent struggles against the Rockets.

He scored 38 points in Game 4, anchoring the Warriors’ strong lead but only hit the 30-point mark once more in that series. Not only did his shooting percentage decline, but his lackluster Game 7 led to criticism for a player who had been largely invulnerable to it.

In that decisive game, Curry managed to make just six baskets out of 19 attempts. He recorded six turnovers, scored once in the fourth quarter, and went scoreless for the final six minutes. He missed a crucial defensive assignment on Kyrie during the game-winner, marking a humbling moment for a player who had claimed his second consecutive MVP that season.

“I didn’t do enough to help my team win,” he reflected then. “That will haunt me for some time.”

Fast forward to the series with the Rockets—both have experienced highs and lows.

Draymond showcased resilience in a critical exchange with Alperen Sengun in the closing moments of Game 4, where he successfully defended against the Rockets’ center as time ran out. However, in the ensuing two games, Sengun shot 14-for-29, averaging 18 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, proving that his confidence was not shaken.

Furthermore, Draymond’s former teammate Adams has stepped up off the bench for Sengun, delivering impressive performances.

In contrast, Draymond has recorded as many turnovers as rebounds and points (six each) over the last two games and has hesitated to take open shots.

Fred VanVleet scored 29 points, helping Houston blank the Warriors in the fourth quarter and forcing a Game 7.

Curry has shown brilliance in Games 1 and 3 but has been average in others. Dealing with a sore thumb, he has shot under 40% in the last two defeats, missing chances to eliminate the Rockets, and came up short in the fourth quarter in Friday’s game.

Additionally, he has been outperformed by VanVleet, who previously bested him in the 2019 championship while with the Raptors and has shot 18-for-27 from deep in the last three games, demonstrating urgent motivation.

Currently, Curry and Draymond find themselves in a crucial moment: poised between a chance to rectify past mistakes or to relive them. At least for Curry, his last experience of a Game 7 was memorable—he scored 50 points against the Kings in a defining game for his legacy.

At their side is Jimmy Butler, who is known for raising his performance in the playoffs and has become a strong ally since a midseason trade.

“We’re in this together; win or lose, we face it all collectively,” Butler affirmed. “And I believe we’re going to come out on top this Sunday.”

Ultimately, the responsibility lies with Draymond Green and Stephen Curry. This isn’t just another 3-1 lead that’s now tied at 3-all; there’s no room for mistakes. History could be harsh if they falter once more.

“I know we’re grateful to still have a chance, even after these last two games didn’t go our way,” Curry remarked.

Existence? Certainly. But for how much longer? By the end of Sunday, it will be a choice between celebration or heading home.

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Shaun Powell has been covering the NBA for over 25 years. You can contact him via email, explore his archive, and follow him on social media.

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